The Best Advice you ever got on Cancer Prevention

In the kaleidoscope of medical discoveries that crowd our history, few stand out as starkly relevant as Dr. Otto Warburg's insights into cancer. As we navigate today's smog-laden cities and pesticide-sprinkled salads, Warburg’s findings feel almost prophetically tailored to our times.

Dr. Warburg, a titan in biochemistry and a Nobel laureate of 1931, unveiled a theory about cancer that shifted the paradigms of his day - and ours. At its core, his research suggested something startling: our cells, those tiny biological powerhouses, respond to pollution not just by struggling or succumbing but by adapting in a way that might be their - and our - undoing.

Imagine this: every breath you take, every bite you eat, might carry minute invaders, pollutants that challenge your cells. Warburg discovered that under such siege, cells might revert to a more primitive survival tactic. Instead of their usual, oxygen-breathing respiration, they begin to ferment sugar. It’s a bit like a besieged city turning inwards, surviving on dwindling supplies.

This sugar fermentation is a sort of biological insurgency. Cells, desperate not to die from the poison, multiply rapidly, building what Warburg described as a ‘wall’. This wall, however, is the start of a tumor - an unintended fortress that becomes the breeding ground for cancer.

Here’s where Warburg’s advice comes into a glaring, life-affirming light. He linked the root cause of cancer to oxygen deficiency, which leads to an acidic state within our bodies. Cancer cells, which are anaerobic and shun oxygen, thrive in and perpetuate this acidic environment. They can't, however, survive in high-oxygen conditions, which is typical of an alkaline state.

So, what’s the best advice I ever got on cancer prevention, based on Warburg’s legacy? Breathe deeply and live in a way that keeps your body more alkaline than acidic.

Easier said than done, right? But here are practical, everyday steps to bring Warburg’s wisdom into your life:

Drink Light Lemon Water in the Morning: Start your day with a glass of warm lemon water. It's a simple habit that can significantly increase your body’s hydration and alkalinity from the get-go. Lemon, despite its acidic taste, becomes alkaline during digestion, helping to balance your body’s pH.

Drink Coconut Water Regularly: Coconut water is not only refreshing but also naturally rich in minerals and electrolytes, making it excellent for maintaining your body's alkaline state. Regular consumption can aid in detoxification and provide a natural energy boost without the sugar crash associated with more processed drinks.

Eat More Dark Green Vegetables & Sprouts: Dark green vegetables and sprouts are among the most alkalizing foods. Foods like spinach, kale, and broccoli, along with sprouts, are packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants that promote better health and help keep your body’s pH levels balanced.

Add a Teaspoon of Natural Baking Soda to Water and Drink It First Thing in the Morning: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a quick way to neutralize stomach acid and increase your body’s alkalinity. However, because it’s high in sodium, it’s best used occasionally rather than daily, unless advised by a healthcare provider.

Dr. Warburg’s advice might not be the magic bullet that eradicates cancer risk entirely, but it provides a powerful blueprint for a healthier life in our less-than-ideal world. In our journey towards wellness, every little step counts - deep breaths, wise bites, and all

Shraddanjali

The Divine Encounter: When a British Collector Met a Hindu Saint in India

The period of British rule in India is often associated with the introduction of Christianity to the subcontinent, along with its notorious history of mass conversions. Missionaries, in their quest to spread the Christian faith, found success among the lower echelons of India's caste system. However, amidst this backdrop, there are intriguing stories of how British rulers were also influenced by Hinduism and its revered saints. One such remarkable historical incident involves the interaction between a British collector and a prominent Hindu saint in the 19th century.

Sri Raghavendra Swamiji, a renowned saint and scholar, was a staunch proponent of the dvaita philosophy in the 16th century. His spiritual teachings and miraculous powers garnered millions of admirers across various states, including myself. His influence transcended religious boundaries, attracting devotees from diverse faiths, including Christianity. Two notable believers were Sir Thomas Munro and the Nawab of Adoni.

Sir Thomas Munro's Journey

Sir Thomas Munro, 1st Baronet, arrived in India in 1779, where he began his career with an infantry cadet ship in Madras. He served diligently with his regiment during the challenging conflict against Haidar Ali. In 1819, he was appointed as the governor of Madras, earning renown for implementing the 'Ryotwari system.'

A Real-Life 'Lagaan' Moment

In the annals of history, there are moments when reality seems to take a page from fiction. One such moment occurred when Sir Thomas Munro, the Collector of Bellary during British colonial rule in India, found himself in a situation that bore an uncanny resemblance to the Bollywood blockbuster "Lagaan." While the movie depicted a fictionalized account of a central Indian village playing a high-stakes game of cricket to avoid exorbitant taxes, our story is rooted in reality. In this instance, it was not a game of cricket but a divine encounter with Sri Raghavendra Swamiji, a revered Hindu saint and scholar, that made the British collector see reason and rewrite history.

Sir Thomas Munroe & Sri Raghavendra Swami, Mantralaya Incident

The intriguing connection between Sir Thomas Munro and Sri Raghavendra Swami unfolds during Munro's tenure as the Collector of Bellary in 1800. The Madras Government issued an order directing him to collect the entire income from the Raghavendra Swamy Matha and the village of Mantralaya. Despite their efforts, the revenue officials found it impossible to comply with this directive.

          

Intrigued by the situation, Sir Thomas Munro decided to investigate the matter personally. With deep reverence, he removed his hat and shoes as he entered the sacred precincts of the Matha. To everyone's astonishment, Sri Raghavendra Swamiji himself emerged from the Vrindavana (sacred resting place) and engaged in a conversation with Munro. Their discussion centered on the resumption of endowment.

Remarkably, the saint was visible and audible only to Sir Thomas Munro, who received the divine blessing of Manthrakshate. Deeply moved by this transcendent encounter, Munro returned and issued an order in favor of the Matha and the village. This historic notification was published in the Madras Government Gazette, Chapter XI, page 213, under the title "Manchali Adoni Taluka." Copies of this order are preserved in Fort St. George and Mantralaya, serving as a testament to Munro's blessed encounter with Rayaru himself.

Fast forward 218 years, and the fifth generation of Munro's family visited Mantralaya in July 2018 to seek the blessings of Rayaru, continuing the enduring connection between British rulers and Hindu saints.

The fascinating interplay between British colonial India and the spiritual realm showcases the richness and diversity of India's cultural tapestry, where even foreign rulers found themselves touched by the profound spirituality of the land.

Explore the deep-rooted connections between Lord Hanuman and Sri Raghavendra Swami in our related article. - check here 

#IncredibleIndia

I agreed to spend the afternoon if only to understand the mystery of how a place could feel so strange , and yet so familiar - Tim Burton, dir Big Fish, 2001

Illusion

When others asked the truth of me, I was convinced it was not the truth they wanted, but an illusion they could bear to live with

Anais Nin

Super Hero Comics: Sal-Man and the Black Buck episode

Dive into the whimsical world of our beloved caped crusader in the latest escapade that's making waves across the superhero aficionado spectrum! Picture this: Sal-Man, the paragon of virtue and the beacon of hope, clad in his iconic cloak that boldly proclaims 'Being Human'—a fashion statement and a mantra rolled into one. He finds himself in a rather sticky wicket, amidst the eerie Bishnoi badlands of Flmistaan, where not even Google Maps dares to tread.

Here, in this land of whispering sands and ancient legends, lurks a nemesis thought to be long vanquished – the nefarious Black Buck. Yes, that's right! The Black Buck, with its hideous aura and a penchant for trouble, has made a grand, unsettling comeback. Twenty years have flown by since Sal-Man, in his glorious 'Being Human' cloak, sent this fiend packing, but history, in its most uncanny manner, repeats itself.

The Black Buck, not one to fade quietly into the annals of history, has cast a diabolical spell on our unsuspecting hero. The audacity! As our hero finds himself ensnared in this wicked enchantment, doubts creep in—could this be the end of Sal-Man as we know him? Will the virtuous champion, with his 'Being Human' cloak fluttering defiantly in the wind, break free from this malevolent sorcery, or will he succumb to the dark forces that have ensnared him?

The stakes are sky-high, and the tension? Palpable. But fear not, dear readers, for hope springs eternal in the world of superheroes. This roller coaster of emotions, filled with twists, turns, and a hefty dose of suspense, promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. It's an adventure that begs you to clutch your popcorn in one hand and your superhero cape (preferably one that also says 'Being Human') in the other.

So, what are you waiting for? Embark on this journey with Sal-Man as he battles to overcome the dark forces, his 'Being Human' cloak billowing heroically behind him. Your rendezvous with destiny awaits at the nearest NEWS stand. Grab your copy today and witness the saga as it unfolds. Trust me, this is one adventure you wouldn't want to miss for the world!

Baggy Green, Sandpaper and Reverse Swing

It has been one hell of a fall through the rabbit hole for the australian cricket team this week. The guys who sport the baggy green cap with pride and reverence are now the poster boy cheats of the game. The kangaroos who strutted the cricket field like tough cookies just crumbled and 'bawled' in front of the cameras after getting caught & punished.

For the spectator it was a heady mix of bewilderment, humor and a tinge of sadness to see the rapid fall from grace for the Australian cricket team. For a team that inspired 'Awe' to a spectacle of 'Baww'  the fall has been swift and spectacular

Echoes of Schoolyard Laughter: A Nostalgic Trip to the First Day at School

First Steps into a Wider World: Memories of My School Debut

Ah, cast your mind back to the golden haze of the late seventies and mid-eighties, a time when life seemed to move at the rhythm of vinyl records and the world was a playground of endless possibilities. Those were the days when my childhood memories were painted in the most vibrant colors, frozen in the best moments that now twinkle like stars in the night sky of my past. We were the carefree souls of our early school days, swaying and grooving to the infectious beats of BoneyM and ABBA, alongside the heart-throbbing local anthems like ‘Dafali waale Dafali bajaa’, ‘I am a disco dancer’, and ‘Arre dewano…’. Our spirits danced in sheer jubilation, our laughter mingling with the air as we indulged in the simple joys of neelam supari, only to wash it down with the creamy delight of Mainu’s lassi during those fleeting school breaks.

Canteen Chronicles: The Basement Bazaar of School-Day Delights

Just outside the school gates, life unfolded in its simplest form, yet for those with a bit more pocket money to spare, the canteen beckoned like a treasure trove of delights. Nestled in the basement, at the very edge of the main building, it was our little corner of paradise. A cozy rectangular cabin to the left was where the teachers retreated for their tea, creating a little sanctuary of their own, while we, the students, eagerly queued at the rear windows on the opposite side, our mouths watering for batata wada, tea, and other tantalizing snacks. And oh, the chocolate jars! Filled to the brim with Peppermints, Parle Kissme, Ravalgons, wrapped in a kaleidoscope of green, red, and orange - they were like magnets, drawing at least a glance from each passerby as we ascended the stairs back to our classes.

The Principal’s office, now that was a realm of awe and trepidation. The mere thought of being summoned there sent shivers down my spine, a prelude to a scolding or, heaven forbid, a call to my father over some mischief or academic slip-up. The path to his chamber was guarded by a brightly lit aquarium, its fish gliding silently, oblivious to the turmoil in our young hearts as the bubble maker softly hummed in the background, doing little to ease the fluttering in our stomachs as we awaited our fate.

Lessons Beyond the Books: The Teachers Who Shaped Us

Reflecting on those school days, each of us can undoubtedly recall the teachers who left indelible marks on our lives. Their dedication, the sparkle in their eyes as they shared knowledge and stories, brought the world into our classrooms. I remember Ms. Pramila Savlekar & Mr. Premratnam particularly, who could bring history and literature to life, making every lesson an adventure. Such memories of SMHS have only grown fonder with time, each of us holding our special moments close to our hearts, yet sharing many common bonds that bring us together in reminiscence.

Aluminum Boxes and Merry-Go-Rounds: The Innocence of Starting Fresh

And then, there was my first day of school in 1976-77, a moment frozen in time. My father, driving his Fiat 1100D, brought me to the 1st standard classroom, a quaint structure that seemed a world away from the main building. Clutching my aluminum school box, filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation, I stepped into a new world. The playground, with its silent merry-go-round and the cacophony of boys at lunch, felt overwhelming. Amidst the noise and the chaos, I found myself longing for the familiar comfort of home.

Stepping out into the sunlight during recess, I wandered just a few paces to where the playground lay spread out in front of our class, a vivid tableau of childhood adventures waiting to unfold. There, in a quiet corner, sat a small, hand-operated merry-go-round. It was an eerie sight, standing silent and still, as if waiting for the laughter of children to breathe life into its solitary existence—perhaps the absence of its operator lending it an air of desolation amidst the bustling school day.

As the day wore on, the playground transformed. It became a teeming mass of energy as what seemed like a hundred boys, both small and towering, descended upon it. They were a whirlwind of noise and motion, running, tumbling, and shouting in the throes of their lunch break revelries. Amid this tumult, I felt like a tiny boat lost at sea, buffeted by waves of commotion and chaos. The rough-and-tumble play of my peers, so different from the quiet order I was accustomed to, filled me with a sense of dread. I remember a moment, poignant and sharp, when the overwhelming sensation of not belonging washed over me. Tears blurred my vision as I whispered a heart-heavy plea to the empty air, "Let me go home."

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